South East Ireland

The South East of Ireland is said to be the sunniest spot on the island! The word that springs to mind when thinking about the South East of Ireland is 'lush'. The forests, farmland, hills and rivers provide the perfect place to relax.

The South East is home to Waterford of Waterford Crystal fame, the lively and surprising town of Kilkenny, with its mediaeval castle and monastery and Dungarvan with its glacial mountains overlooking the sea.

The area provides top class facilities for golfing, fishing and horse riding.

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If you have 4-5 days to spend in the area, some things which may be of interest to you are:

Huntington Castle, Carlow
As well as beautiful gardens, includes a temple to the Goddess Isis in the basement and an ancient vine in the conservatory!

Kilkenny Castle
A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands.
Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny
Outstanding Cistercian abbey, a mile to the southwest of Thomastown founded in the latter half of the 12th century with unique cloister carvings.

St. Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny
Completed in 1285, the second longest Cathedral in Ireland. On view are rich carvings wirked in both timber and stone, some dating to the 13th century.

Reginalds Tower Museum, Waterford
The tower has stood on this site for over a thousand years, protecting the Quays of Waterford. The present structure, dating from the 12th century, is the oldest urban civic building in the country.

Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre Waterford
Crystal has a long tradition of extending a warm welcome to tourists from all over the world. Visitors are guided through the actual production areas, where the world famous crystal is made.

Ancestral Home to J.F.Kennedy, Wexford
Birthplace of the great grandfather of the late President John F.Kennedy, the visitor centre provides an engaging guided tour around the original farmyard, which incorporates an audio-visual display and rare family artefacts.

Hook Lighthouse Visiotr Centre, Wexford
Lighthouses have a magic and mysticism of their own; none more so than the 13th century Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in Northern Europe.

The National Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life, Wexford
Located in historic farm buildings (1810) within the extensive, ornamental grounds of Johnstown Castle. A major famine exhibition covering the history of the potato and the great disaster of the 1840's is at the museum.

Altamont Gardens, Carlow
Known as the most romantic garden in Ireland, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a 100-acre estate.